Irish Exchange Scouts thank host families

 James Glasson, left, and Cian Neilan thank Boy Scout Troop 3 host families.

This is an open letter from Irish Exchange Scouts James Glasson and Cian Neilan, who spent five weeks in the U.S. this summer:

I am writing this letter for all the host families and the people who made this trip possible to thank them for the wonderful once in a lifetime opportunity that me and my compatriot experienced on the exchange program. 

I am from Limerick in Ireland and go to Scouts in 42nd Limerick Meelick. We are part of the Limerick/Derby international exchange Scout program that has been running for over 25 years.

During my five weeks in America, I attended Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation in Connecticut and had a fantastic time and I went on a super trip to the BSA Florida Sea Base, which was absolutely fantastic.

I would like to thank the following people: Troop 3 host families Joe and Sheryl Patten family, Al and Deb Moran family, Keith and Beth McLiverty family, Mike and Cindy Tracz family, Jim and Diana Welch family, Rich and Felicia Bartholomew family as well as Richard Williams, Tom Murray, Officer Charles Stankye III, Derby Aldermanic President Ron Sill, Shelton Aldermanic President John Anglace and Dr. Robert Feeney without whom this trip wouldn’t have been possible. 

And (I thank) Randy Ritter, the Scoutmaster of Derby Troop 3, who did so much for us during our time in the States.

Special thanks to you all, we had an amazing time. Thank you all for your time and effort in making it such a fantastic experience for both of us.

Yours Sincerely,

James Glasson and Cian Neilan

42^nd Limerick Meelick Scout Group